Sticky Discipleship: Using Technology for Transformation

The discipleship dilemma

All believers are entrusted with the sacred responsibility of making disciples—but pastors and church leaders have a unique call to help lead the way. It’s no secret the church is flailing in this regard. Most churches don’t have a disciple-making culture. In fact, most church leaders are just trying to keep up with the ins and outs of everyday obligations and don’t have time to think about the systemic changes needed to cultivate a culture of discipleship—that is, a culture where discipleship is woven into the fabric of everyday church life. 

Statistics reveal the depth of this challenge. According to a 2022 study by Lifeway Research, nearly two-thirds of US Protestant pastors (63%) acknowledge disciple-making is an area where they need to invest to become better pastors. Furthermore, a 2024 report from Barna highlights that only 23 percent of US Christian adults report being discipled, indicating a significant gap between calling and practice.

Maybe you’re asking, like we do, what discipleship actually looks like? Is it a one-to-one (or one-to-few) mentoring program? Is it organic and expected in everyday friendships within the church? Is it accomplished through Bible studies or small groups? Is preaching discipleship? 

Every church handles discipleship differently, and from where we sit, there’s not one “right” way to do it. But any discipleship goals for a church start with one thing: the Word of God.

So maybe you’re looking at the figures above and asking, how can church leaders transform their communities into vibrant disciple-making cultures? And how can they do this when faced with a growing number of ministry challenges and expectations in our always-on modern world?

Three steps can get you started, regardless of what model your church uses (or intends to use).

1. Model what it looks like to be in Scripture

Leaders set the tone for the congregation. When pastors and ministry leaders openly share how Scripture is shaping their lives—through personal study, sermon preparation, or daily reflections—it signals to the congregation that the Bible is central to their life and ministry. This authenticity invites others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect throughout the church. More often than not, learning to do meaningful Bible study is caught, not taught.

2. Reinforce it throughout your ministries

Discipleship thrives in an environment where the message of Scripture is consistently reinforced. This means integrating Bible study into various ministry areas—children’s programs, youth groups, small groups, and beyond. When Scripture is regularly highlighted and discussed, it becomes a natural part of the church’s rhythm and culture.

3. Celebrate stories of growth

Celebration reinforces behavior. By sharing stories of individuals who have experienced growth through consistent Bible reading, churches can inspire others to embark on their own journeys. Recognizing milestones, such as completing a reading plan or starting a new Bible study group, not only honors those individuals but also encourages the broader community to engage more deeply with God’s Word.

Empowering discipleship through technology

While changing the culture in your church is essential, providing practical tools can further empower individuals in their discipleship journey. Digital resources can bridge the gap between intention and action, offering accessible ways for congregants to engage with Scripture.

To truly embed a Bible-centered culture, it’s crucial to integrate both intentional practices and empowering tools. When leadership models Scripture engagement, repetition reinforces its importance, and celebration acknowledges growth, the church becomes a vibrant community where discipleship flourishes.

Meet the Logos Bible study platform

One of the best tools for this is the Logos Bible study platform. Logos offers a comprehensive digital library, intuitive search tools, and customizable reading plans, making deep Bible study accessible to everyone—from new believers to seasoned theologians. 

Here are some of the ways using Logos transforms your leaders’ time in Scripture:

• Search for answers on nearly any topic: Ask a question and Logos will pull results from the Bible and your trusted books.
• Study the Bible with experts: Explore commentaries, Bible dictionaries, and other books designed to increase your understanding of what the Bible says—and what it means.
• Make Bible study a habit: Use a pre-made reading plan or create your own plan tailored to individual goals and interests.
• Prepare sermons and lessons: Draft talks with tools designed for Bible teachers, including helps for sermon outlines and discussion questions.
• Dig below the surface of Scripture: Study specific words, passages, and themes, and explore cross references throughout the Bible.

By introducing church pastors, staff, and small group leaders to a tool like Logos, churches can encourage personal Bible reading, enrich small group discussions, and foster a deeper engagement with sermons. These tools are catalysts that remove barriers and empower a more profound connection with Scripture that’s foundational to a culture of discipleship.

Embracing technology, like the new offering Logos has for church leaders, can further support this culture, providing individuals with the resources they need to engage deeply with God’s Word and collaborate more meaningfully with one another. 

Ready to dive deeper?

If you’re eager to cultivate a culture of discipleship in your church, we have a comprehensive resource to guide you. Download our free ebook, A Church Leader’s Guide to Developing Discipleship That Sticks, and embark on a journey to transform your church’s approach to discipleship.